Companion Stealth Distance Fix (No Free Hugs) - Now with No Dogmeat in Crosshairs
⚪ Last updated 2021⚠️ Install Order · 2 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 1.8% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #23 of 77 Companions mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it’
NO FREE HUGS
Ever notice that no matter where they are, your companion tries to Archon Merge with you as soon as you crouch? This stops that. They crouch and stealth also, but they maintain the default "Medium" distance.
As of 5. 0 it also reduces how often your followers charge an enemy right in front of you... and into your line of fire. I have further tweaked basegame follower AI to prefer to maintain range, and to strafe out and away from the player, as much as possible without scripts or extensive additions. Followers now prefer to flank, shoot from range, and seek cover, in most cases.
But wait, there's more!
This also greatly reduces Dogmeat's zooming back and forth in front of you, especially when you're trying to (bleep)ing activate or loot something.
Main Files now also has an ESL-tagged ESP, or ESPFE. They have the exact same file name, so it's safe to choose whichever one you want. Use only ONE of the Main Files!
Now available on Bethnet for XB1!
https://bethesda.net/en/mods/fallout4/mod-detail/4163930
....and PS4!
https://bethesda.net/en/mods/fallout4/mod-detail/4163931
This mod combines well with Hotkeys and Companion Command and Tactics:
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[]CCaT lets you change the distance companions follow you at. With this mod added, they'll maintain the distance you set with CCaT, whether you're sneaking or not.
[
]All three distances you set with CCaT - Near, Medium, Far - are increased and spaced out slightly (whether sneaking or not).CCaT restores functionality that Bethesda cut before release; highly recommended. Using all three mods, I have found exploring with a companion is a verrrrrry different experience than Vanilla!
And if your companions have been driving you nuts, you might also want to fix the bug where they won't shut up at your settlements!
There's also a mod by UlithiumDragon that prevents Dogmeat from opening doors, which may interest you.
You might also wish your companions were More Smarter. Deathlock47 can help you with that.
Installation
If you've never installed a mod before, you must first follow these instructions.
Using NMM: click the button, do the thing, you kno
This Fallout 4 mod stops companions from sprinting to your position when you enter stealth and slightly increases their follow distance. It also prevents Dogmeat from getting into your crosshairs. A quality-of-life fix for stealth players, with 8,558 endorsements and last updated in 2021.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Huge community trust (8,558 endorsements) — this is a must-have for stealth builds
- Fixes two annoying companion behaviors in one simple mod
- Lightweight and focused — does exactly what it says without bloat
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2021 — may not be compatible with the latest Fallout 4 patches or DLC
- Only affects companion behavior — no other features or customization options
For stealth-focused Fallout 4 players who are tired of companions blowing their cover. Also great for anyone who uses Dogmeat and hates having his furry butt in the crosshairs. Skip if you want more complex companion overhauls — this is a simple QoL fix.
💡 Beginner Tips
- If you're using a mod manager like Vortex or NMM, just download with the manager and activate — no manual placement needed.
- Make sure to load this mod after any companion AI overhauls to ensure its changes take priority.
- Test in stealth near a companion to see the difference — you should notice they keep their distance instead of running up to you.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Fallout 4 Mods
- Author
- spacefiddle
- Version
- 7.0
- Downloads
- 478,777
- Endorsements
- 8,558
- Category
- Companions
- Created
- 7/1/2016
- Updated
- 5/3/2021
🔧 How to Install Fallout 4 Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Fallout 4 →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Fallout 4 commands, item IDs, and more.
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